"Conventionality is not morality. Self-righteousness is not religion."
Truth
"Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain, and little, I am soulless and heartless? You think wrong!—I have as much soul as any.—as much heart!"
Strength
"I would rather be a happy death than a miserable immortality."
Happiness
"Laws and principles are not for the times when there is no temptation: they are for such moments as this."
"I am not an angel, and I will not pretend to be."
Truth
"I cannot let you burn me up, nor will I let you drag me down."
Strength
"My spirit addresses your spirit; just as if both had passed through the grave, and we stood at God's feet, equal."
"I am no mechanical tool: I feel as you feel."
"I would rather you wielded a pick-axe."
"I am but a poor clergyman's daughter."
"I would die before I would be ruled by tyranny."
Freedom
"I cannot become your puppet."
"Love me as I am."
Love
"I have for the first time found what I can truly love."
Love
"We are all equal before God and nature."
"My pulse stops; my heart stands still; my stretched arm is paralysed."
Fear
"I am not required to tolerate disrespect."
"Justice whispered in my ear."
Justice
"Reader, I married him."
Happiness
"I feel as though I should run away."
Fear
"I would rather not live than live a lie."
Truth
"To be subject to another's will is a dreadful fate."
Freedom
"I am no sentimental fool."
Strength
"I will be his second self if necessary."
"What is the use of living if I may not live in joy?"
Happiness
"I am grateful for the opportunity to prove my worth."
Gratitude
"I am no bird; and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being with an independent will."
Freedom
"I would always rather be happy than dignified."
Happiness
"Life appears to me too short to be spent in nursing animosity or registering wrongs."
Wisdom
"I am not talking to you now through the medium of custom, conventionalities, nor even of mortal flesh."
Truth